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Even on Downton Abbey, set in WWI-era Britain, poor Mary Crawley is forced to find a wealthy suitor since she won’t be able to inherit her father’s title. We watch with baited breath as she romances from one wealthy suitor to another and rarely comment on the outrage that some distant broke cousin will one day be Lord.

But it’s okay, because there are costumes. (Don’t even get me started on the newest fantasy to sweep ladydom, the Twilight-inspired 50 Shades of Grey. That so many American women are hooked on violent sex is really just troubling).

As for me, I can’t say I understand even my own motivation, or captivation by series that showcase sexist, and in the case of Game of Thrones, sexually violent behavior towards women. Am I glamoured by set-dressing, accented actors and intricate up-dos? I can’t say that I am. Do I like it because, put in a historical setting, the gender bias makes me value how good I have it now? I don’t know if I’m that appreciative. But whatever the case is, it’s interesting, and opens up a whole new conversation for whatever poor souls are forced to watch Sunday night’s Mad Men premiere chez moi.

Until then, I’ll leave the last word to Steinem.

“I think the idea that [these shows] are a step back would make a great column,” she told reporters at a press conference in August for the premiere of the HBO documentary Gloria: In Her Own Words when asked about throw-back programming for women. “But I think the real question is: What is their attitude? Are they aggrandizing the past in a nostalgic way, or are they showing the problems of the past in order to show that we have moved forward?”

Readers:What do you think? Do you think about the gender issues in your favorite TV dramas? More importantly, are you a Joan, a Betty or a Peggy?